World Bowling replaces Dornberger as President with Kuwaiti

Sheikh Talal was elected unopposed as President at the 2015 World Bowling Congress ©World Bowling

Kuwait’s Sheikh Talal Mohammed Al-Sabah has replaced Kevin Dornberger as the President of World Bowling following their biannual Congress in Abu Dhabi.

An agreement between the two men was reached over the head position in the organisation a month prior to the Congress with the American Dornberger stepping aside from the post he has held since 2007.

Sheikh Talal, who also serves as the President of the Asian Bowling Federation and Kuwait Bowling Federation, was therefore the only candidate remaining and his election unopposed by the Congress.

A letter notifying all National Federations detailing the change in leadership had been distributed by the governing body ahead of the Congress, urging them to share a united approach to achieve growth in the sport in the coming years.

“Over the past several months we have had discussions regarding the best way to forge a path for the greatness of our sport and our organization,” the letter read.

“We agree completely that the entire bowling community must become united in our efforts: zones, Federations and the bowling industry.

“We could only achieve our maximum potential by combining and targeting our resources on our primary goals.”

Bowling had been one of eight sports shortlisted for the second stage of the application process for Tokyo 2020 Olympic inclusion in June, but missed on being recommended for the Games in September.

Baseball and softball, karate, roller sports, sport climbing and surfing were all recommended for the Olympic programme at the Games, with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) set to make a final decision on what will be included in Tokyo at their Session next year in 2016 Olympic host Rio de Janeiro.

Following the disappointment Dornberger had reflected that World Bowling had “work to do” to improve their global image to boost their future chances at being included on the Olympic programme.

Bowling missed out on inclusion at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in September ©Getty Images

Despite withdrawing his candidacy to remain as President, World Bowling have claimed Dornberger will remain an “active administrative leader” for the sport.

It is expected that he will stay as chief executive for a period of at least three years.

Dornberger had previously combined the role with that of President.

"Mr Kevin Dornberger has given a lot of his eight years as President," said Sheikh Talal.

"We should give him a big applause for his dedicated effort and devotion to our sport.

"I also thank Mr Dornberger for promising to remain in the community by continuing to give his support to me and the newly-elected Executive Board."

Sheikh Talal’s election, on a four-year term, comes at uncertain time for his country with Kuwait having been suspended by the IOC for the second time in five years over government interference.

Two new vice-presidents were also elected at the Congress, held following the Women’s World Championships.

Finland’s Pekka Korpi and Australia’s Michael Seymour, seeking to retain their positions, were opposed by Cyprus' Marios Nicolaides, Thailand's Suwalai Satrulee, and Sweden's Ulf Sjøblom.

Satrulee received 43 of the 80 votes cast in the first voting round, while after three further rounds of voting Sjøblom defeated Korpi 47-30 to be elected to the second post.